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Study: Preventive use of one form of natural vitamin E may reduce stroke damage

A new study found that preventive use of tocotrienol, a form of natural vitamin E, reduced brain tissue damage and preserved neural connections in dogs after they suffered strokes. The research suggests that this natural supplement may be beneficial for people at high risk of stroke, such as those who have had a previous ministroke.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism·DateJul 5, 2011

Cause of hereditary blindness discovered

Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum discover that mutations in the CCDC66 gene are responsible for retinitis pigmentosa, a leading cause of inherited blindness. They also develop a genetic test for diagnosis and predictively breeding in dogs, with potential implications for human patients.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateJun 22, 2011

Early exposure to pets does not increase children's risk of allergies

A new study published in Clinical & Experimental Allergy reveals that early exposure to pets does not increase the risk of allergies in children. In fact, research found that being exposed to dogs and cats in the first year of life may actually reduce the likelihood of becoming allergic to these animals later in life.

SourceWiley·JournalClinical & Experimental Allergy·DateJun 13, 2011

Canine telepathy?

Researchers investigated how dogs respond to human attention, finding that both domestic dogs and wolves can beg for food based on a human's attentiveness. Dogs' ability to follow human actions stems from their willingness to accept humans as social companions and conditioning to follow human movements.

SourceSpringer·JournalLearning & Behavior·DateJun 9, 2011

Discovery of canine hepatitis C virus opens up new doors for research on deadly human pathogen

Researchers have identified a novel hepatitis C-like virus in dogs, providing new insights into the origins of the human disease. The discovery offers renewed hope for developing a model system to study HCV's mechanisms and may lead to the development of drugs and vaccines.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 23, 2011

Study finds flame retardants at high levels in pet dogs

Researchers at Indiana University found significant levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in the blood of pet dogs, with average concentrations about five to ten times higher than those found in humans. The study suggests that dogs may serve as 'biosentinels' for monitoring human exposure to flame retardants.

SourceIndiana University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateApr 26, 2011

Emergency mental health lessons learned from Continental Flight 3407 disaster

Mental health responders to the Continental Flight 3407 disaster share key successes and areas for improvement in disaster response planning. Clear relationships among responders, long-lasting mental health referrals, and efficient communication are highlighted as critical components of effective emergency preparedness.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalDisaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness·DateMar 1, 2011

Out-sniffing bomb-sniffing dogs

A Tel Aviv University scientist has developed a small, portable sensor that can detect multiple kinds of explosives with unprecedented reliability and efficiency. The sensor, which uses nanotechnology advances, is more sensitive and reliable than any sniffer dog and can detect explosives at a distance.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateNov 10, 2010

Children's best friend

A new Université de Montreal study found that trained service dogs can significantly reduce stress hormone levels in autistic children, from an average of 33 problematic behaviors to just 25. The dogs also improved socialization skills and overall well-being for the children.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalPsychoneuroendocrinology·DateOct 19, 2010

Dogs may be pessimistic too

A new study by the University of Bristol has found that dogs with separation-related behaviors tend to make more pessimistic judgments, suggesting a cognitive bias. The research provides insight into animal emotions and highlights the importance of addressing underlying negative emotional states in dogs.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 11, 2010

Hip dysplasia susceptibility in dogs may be underreported, according to Penn Vet comparative study

A recent University of Pennsylvania study compares two hip screening methods and finds that traditional scoring underestimates a dog's susceptibility to osteoarthritis. The PennHIP method suggests that even 'excellent' hips may be at risk for hip dysplasia, with some breeds facing a high risk of up to 100% susceptible progeny.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·DateSep 2, 2010

Researchers find gene responsible for neurodegenerative disease in dogs, possibly in humans

A team of researchers discovered a gene responsible for a rare and fatal disease in American Staffordshire terriers. The same gene is believed to cause a similar disease in humans. Genetic analysis led to the identification of an entirely new mutation, which can be tested in human samples to determine its connection to Kufs' disease.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 24, 2010

Breeding changing dog brains

Researchers found that short-snouted dog breeds have rotating brains up to 15 degrees, while the olfactory lobe has relocated, affecting smell perception. The study highlights unique plasticity in the canine genome due to human intervention through breeding.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 1, 2010

Diabetes monitoring device benefits man and man's best friend

Researchers have successfully used a continuous glucose monitoring device to treat dogs with diabetes, providing greater monitoring capabilities and alleviating the need for multiple blood samples. The device, commonly used in human diabetes treatment, helps veterinarians determine proper insulin dosages and manage diet-related factors.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalDiabetes Technology & Therapeutics·DateJul 23, 2010

How do you make the perfect sled dog?

Researchers identified the genetic contributions of various breeds to Alaskan sled dogs' performance. The study found that Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky traits are associated with enhanced endurance, while Pointer and Saluki contribute to speed, and Anatolian Shepherd improves work ethic.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Genetics·DateJul 21, 2010